Test your first aid knowledge

Which are the most common situations that older people may require first aid for?

Correct!

Being able to spot early warning signs and take preventable action can potentially be the difference between life and death in these situations.

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Sorry, that's wrong

That’s not quite right. Older persons are particularly susceptible to injuries from falls, noncommunicable diseases and extreme weather-related illnesses. Being able to spot early warning signs and take preventable action can potentially be the difference between life and death in these situations.

You notice an older person next to you has problems with speech, feels that one side of the face is paralyzed and/or is unable to move one or more limbs. What should you do?

That’s not quite right

If you suspect that the person is having a stroke you must remain calm, call for an ambulance, help the person to lay with head and shoulders supported and loosen any restrictive clothing. Never give them anything to eat or drink.In case of altered consciousness, place the person in recovery position and if life signs get lost start in CPR.

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Correct!

Remain calm, call for an ambulance, help the person to lay with head and shoulders supported and loosen restrictive clothing.

Are people aged 65 years and older more prone to heat stress than younger people?

Correct!

During hot weather, it’s vital to stay hydrated and protect skin from the sun.

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Sorry, that's wrong

Older people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat. If it’s hot, older people need to stay hydrated and protect their skin from the sun.

Roughly, what percentage of hospitalizations for injuries involve people aged over 65?

Sorry, that's wrong

That’s not quite right. Approximately one in three older people fall every year. The number of falls increase both in frequency and magnitude with age. Many serious injuries can be prevented if environments are made safe.

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Correct!

More older people and care-givers trained in first aid means they can take swift action to reduce chances of serious injuries and improve chances of survival.

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First aid in action

Singapore Red Cross launches first aid programme to support an aging population

Around the world, the elderly face certain medical emergencies more frequently than others.

When Mr Yeo had a fall in 2010, his doctor suspected he was about to have a stroke. “The suffering I went through. I had given up hope for life. The doctor told me, “In your case, there is no medicine. But you can do a lot of exercises”, he said. “Then I had a second fall, and this time it was quite severe. The pain was intolerable. I needed help very badly. I asked my wife to call for help. I wished there was someone who could come forward immediately. In that moment I thought of nothing but help.”

Around the world, the elderly face certain medical emergencies more frequently than others – cardiac arrest, strokes, difficulty in breathing and falls.

For countries such as Singapore, which have a significant – and growing – elderly population and a low rate of trained first responders, this is a major problem. When older people suffer a medical emergency, those around them are often not equipped to provide help. Often people who have suffered a cardiac arrest turn up in hospital with very little medical assistance before reaching the hospital.

In order to best serve the aging population and to ensure that their health needs are adequately met, Singapore Red Cross has launched a First Aid training course for people who look after elderly friends, relatives or neighbours. It teaches these life-saving skill in a way which is both fun and easy to understand, so that anyone can take part.

Currently the Red Cross is working closely with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and Asian Women Welfare Association (AWWA) to offer a customised First Aid for Caregivers for Elderly to all who might need these skills one day.

Besides training, they are also aiming to provide a customised first aid kit, with the goal of helping hundreds of households be more prepared for any emergency that might occur.

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The revision of the World First Aid Day 2015 toolkit and materials has been made possible through the support of Pfizer.